What does a WiFi router do?
A WiFi router takes the ethernet signal we bring into your home and turns it into a secure, wireless signal you can access using WiFi enabled devices. Without this essential piece of equipment, all your connections to the internet will need to be wired.
Renting vs. using your own WiFi router
Many customers ask us if they should rent or use their own WiFi Router. While we can’t answer that question for you, we can provide you with some of the pros and cons associated with each option.
| Rent WiFi Router | Use Own WiFi Router | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $10/mo | About $50 – $300+ depending on model |
| Ongoing Cost | $10/mo | n/a |
| WiFi Network Support | Included | None. You are on your own. |
| Best for… | Tech novices or those who have enough on their plate. | Tech intermediates or experts that are comfortable managing their own network |
| Ideal Building Type | Single story, up to 2000 square feet. | Multiple story structures, 2,000+ square feet. |
What type of WiFi router should I purchase?
PC Mag has put together an excellent article we recommend reading to help guide your WiFi router purchase decision making.
https://www.cnet.com/topics/networking/buying-guide/
What type of WiFi router does C Spire rent?
At present, C Spire rents our residential and business customers a C Spire branded SmartRG SR400ac router. The SmartRG SR400ac provides a stable, high performance WiFi networking experience with the added benefit of providing C Spire with the ability to diagnose and fix WiFi related networking issues remotely.
Interfaces
Four 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN ports
One 10/100/1000 Gigabit WAN port
One USB 3.0 port & one USB 2.0 port
Wireless
802.11ac 5GHz 1.3Gbps Wi-Fi Access Point
• 3×3 MIMO @ 400mW EIRP
802.11n 2.4GHz 600Mbps Wi-Fi Access Point
• 3×3 MIMO @ 400mW EIRP
Can I use WiFi Extenders, Boosters or Repeaters?
Yes. For true, whole home / office WiFi coverage, we recommend investing in one of the popular Mesh WiFi hardware systems. These systems include several hardware units you place throughout your building to help minimize against WiFi dead spots. Additionally, these systems typically include specialized software that improves connection continuity.
PC Mag WiFi Mesh Comparison – March 2018
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/350795/the-best-wi-fi-mesh-network-systems